T
he ill-advised rush through Thames in a hurry to greater Coromandel, whereas those with some nouse scratch a little deeper. Stick around – this historic town only reveals its secrets to the inquisitive.
GOOD TIMES in Thames & the Thames Coast
Built on the pioneering industries of gold mining and kauri logging, tens of thousands of Europeans flocked here in the 19th century looking to get rich quick. The resources eventually dried up, but the town’s golden spirit lives on. From its appealing main street, flush with historic wooden buildings, to history hunting at The Treasury and Thames Historical Museum, the past is as vocal as the present. Don’t miss your chance to try gold panning at the Thames Goldmine Experience.
ORGANIC PRODUCE, ARTS, CRAFTS AND PRODUCTS UNIQUE TO THE REGION, HELD EVERY SATURDAY FROM 8AM-12PM IN GRAHAMSTOWN.
SEASPRAY MOTEL 613 Thames Coast Rd, RD 5, Waiomu Bay, Thames Coast
The motel that’s right on the beach Unique 60s vintage motel right on the water. Seaviews from every unit. An affordable place to relax and enjoy the sunsets after spending your days exploring the Coromandel Peninsula. BBQ in the garden. Fish from the lawn. Listen to the sound of the sea. Boat parking available. Full kitchens. Pets by arrangement. Tariff: $90‑$150 (2 persons), extra person $15 each. Seasonal rates.
• Beachfront sites 19km north of Thames • Store, kitchen, hot showers, flush toilets, laundry, boat wash, fish-filleting area • Opposite hotel/restaurant • Swim in sea or creek, boat ramp within 4km • Accommodation includes power/ non-power sites, on-site caravans/ cabins • Tariff: cabins from $50 double. Camping from $15 adult, $10 child per night. • Off-season rates available • Best priced camp ground in all of Coromandel • Food Trailer in summer season
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GLEN RD ORO
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THAMES HOSTS A WEEKEND MARKET BRIMMING WITH
Tapu Camp
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Royal Oak Hotel
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TOP TIP
Other, more modern activities include nipping into the cafés on and around Pollen St for a coffee fix, abseiling down thrashing waterfalls in Sleeping God Canyon and venturing into Kauaeranga Valley for a hike just a 10km drive from the Thames town centre.
Tapu School
THAMES COAST R
Thames Coast © Destination Coromandel BELOW: Thames market © Peter Burchell
Ph: +64 7 868 2863 Email: sea.spray@xtra.co.nz www.seaspraymotel.co.nz Hosts: Katherine & John Tizard
The Coromandel
CREAG
H ST
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723 Thames Coast Road, Tapu, SHW 25, Thames Coast P: +64 7 868 4837 • Email: tapucamp@xtra.co.nz www.tapucamp.co.nz
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